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Chinese vessel rams PCG patrol ship thrice
By Nidz Godino
“For Philippine Coast Guard, reason for deployment of BRP Teresa Magbanua is for us to carry out legal, legitimate coast guard operation within our exclusive economic zone,” Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela said PCG’s first 97-meter patrol vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, became latest victim of aggression by Chinese forces, with single China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel ramming it at least three times.
Patrol ship acquired from Japan lifted anchor in area within Escoda Shoal at 8:50 in the morning yesterday despite being surrounded by People’s Liberation Army Navy tugboats 185 and 175, CCG vessels 4303 and 3104 and five Chinese maritime militia vessels, according to Tarriela.
Suddenly, another CCG vessel, 5205, was seen sailing toward BRP Teresa Magbanua, as shown in photo captured by drone of PCG.
While PCG ship was on move, CCG 5205 performed “dangerous maneuvers” around it.
Tarriela said CCG 5205 hit Teresa Magbanua’s port bow, then turned around and crashed onto its starboard quarter, then turned again and struck its port bow. Collisions left holes in parts of PCG vessel.
Tarriela said PCG vessel had to drop anchor again within Escoda Shoal at 2:59 in the afternoon.
He pointed out CCG carried out its “bullying” moves toward BRP Teresa Magbanua “despite its unprovoked action and presence in Escoda Shoal,” near coast of
Palawan and within 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Philippines pursuant to international law and 2016 Arbitral Ruling.
It previously earned ire of China, filing diplomatic protest saying it illegally anchored in Escoda Shoal, while China’s state media suspected that its presence was sign of Philippines building forward deployment base, according to Tarriela.
Operation includes routine patrols and provision of supplies and assistance to both PCG personnel and Filipino fisherfolk in West Philippine Sea.
Tarriela said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered team deployed to Escoda Shoal to inspect damage to BRP Teresa Magbanua.
Tarriela added no personnel onboard BRP Teresa Magbanua was hurt as result of ramming incidents.
Ramming of BRP Teresa Magbanua was fifth time PCG had documented provocations by China near Escoda Shoal, also targeted both vessels and aircraft from PCG and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, in span of two weeks starting last Aug. 19.
Aside from ramming incidents, China’s actions included blasting of water cannons by CCG vessels.
Asked about next action, National Maritime Council spokesman retired vice admiral Alexander Lopez said it would be studied by Department of Foreign Affairs.
BRP Teresa Magbanua has been in Escoda Shoal since April to prevent suspected reclamation by China, following discovery by marine science researchers from University of the Philippines of crushed corals dumped in the area, according to previous reports.
Hours after incident, China was again quick to place blame on Philippines, as former claimed that PCG’s BRP Teresa Magbanua caused collision with CCG vessel in Escoda Shoal.
In statement issued by Chinese embassy in Manila, CCG spokesman Liu Dejun said that at 8:02 in the morning yesterday, BRP Teresa Magbanua, “illegally stranded in China’s Xianbin Reef, lifted anchor and continued to maneuver and cause trouble in the Xianbin Reef lagoon.”
“Chinese Coast Guard ship 5205 took measures such as issuing warnings and following up on ship 9701 in accordance with laws and regulations…at 12:06 in the afternoon, Philippine ship 9701 deliberately collided with the Chinese ship 5205, which was normally enforcing rights and law enforcement, in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, resulting in collision, responsibility lies entirely with Philippines…we once again warn Philippines to face reality, give up illusions and withdraw immediately on its own is only correct way…do not misjudge situation, create hot spots or escalate situation, otherwise Philippines will bear all consequences,” statement alleged.
Repeating its usual statement despite 2016 Arbitral Award rejected China’s expansive maritime claims in South China Sea and West Philippine Sea, numerous nations declare to be legal and binding, China said it “has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Islands, including Xianbin Reef, and its adjacent waters.”
“China Coast Guard will take necessary measures to resolutely thwart all infringements that provoke trouble and cause trouble, and resolutely safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Liu said.
Meanwhile, United States, through US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, slammed China for again intentionally ramming Philippine vessel in West Philippine Sea.
“US condemns multiple dangerous violations of international law by PRC ,People’s Republic of China, including today’s intentional ramming of BRP Teresa Magbanua while it was conducting lawful operations within Philippine EEZ, we stand with Philippines in upholding international law,” she said.
US has been consistently calling on China to stop its harassment of Philippine vessels in West Philippine Sea anchored on final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award.
“We stand with Philippines in upholding international law,” Carlson added in post on X, where she shared Tarriela’s post on the incident.
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